Oak Park Man Charged With Murder in Halloween Store Shooting

Oakland County authorities charged a 21-year-old Oak Park resident with first-degree murder following a fatal shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in Madison Heights on Friday.

John Benson Jr. was arraigned on Monday. He faces charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm in connection with the death of Anthony Thompson III. First-degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The felony firearm charge adds a mandatory two-year prison term, which must be served consecutively to the murder sentence.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. when police found Thompson with multiple gunshot wounds inside the store. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated that surveillance video captured the sequence of events. The footage allegedly showed Benson leaving the store with a woman and two small children as Thompson and several family members entered. After a verbal exchange, Benson drew a concealed handgun and shot Thompson. The video shows Benson pursuing Thompson into the store, standing over him, and firing several additional shots.

Benson called 911 after the shooting. He told investigators he believed Thompson held a handgun and intended to shoot him. Police did not find a firearm on Thompson. Officers determined that the victim and suspect were acquainted, indicating the violence was not random.

McDonald noted that the store was full of children selecting costumes on the day before Halloween. She described the lack of other injuries as a miracle. The prosecutor’s office intends to prosecute the case vigorously while continuing efforts to prevent gun violence.

Benson remains in custody as the investigation proceeds. The next scheduled step in the legal process involves the prosecutor’s review of evidence prior to trial.